This
may seem excessive, but I use all the tags provided by the
cruise line when tagging our suitcases. At a minimum, I
want two identification tags on each suitcase (in addition
to our 'permanent' luggage tags). Those tags, with cotton
or elastic string, can easily become detached so before
putting them on the suitcases, I reinforce them with tape.
I also remove the string, replacing it with long cable ties.
I put one on each handle of dual-handle suitcases and two
on the handle of suitcases that only have one handle. Compulsive?
Maybe. But we've never had a lost or delayed suitcase because
of a missing tag.

Editor's Note:
This is a perfect time to have a bright
orange Journeywoman tag on your luggage and backpack. Who
knows? There might be another member of our JW Network who
spies your tag -- and that's how juicy travel connections
are made. Want to know how to get your own JW tags? Click
here.

Where,
oh where is your luggage?

Kathleen
Kaye shares the following, "We always put our itinerary
outside, as well as inside our luggage. To do this, I type
up the itinerary, reduce it, and tuck it into the luggage
tag, behind our identification. We always make sure our
address and itinerary are taped to the inside as well. I
have heard that many times lost luggage is forever lost
because of no identification on the bag. Tags do come off."

Absolutely
correct, Kathleen! If an airline is unable to trace the
owner, or if luggage hasn't been claimed after at least
three months, it ends up at the Unclaimed
Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama - a veritable
Land of Lost Luggage. Only two hours from Birmingham, Alabama
and two and a half hours from Atlanta, Georgia (in the USA),
the Unclaimed Baggage Center is a treasure hunter's dream
destination. Over 500,000 people a year make the trek to
shop amid over a million lost items, including watches,
jewelry, electronics, and designer clothing.

Take
heart, though. Over 98% of misdirected luggage eventually
catches up to its owners. Keep those odds in your favor
by following Kathleen's advice as stated above..

Suitcases with an
identity...

How
is your suitcase like a Model-T Ford? You can have any color
you want, as long as it's black. My late friend Ed Shuster
found a marking product and a clever solution for readily
spotting his bags in airport carousels and crowded cruise
ship terminals.

He
advised, "With soft-sided black cloth luggage taking
over the world, it's getting harder and harder to find your
own on the floor of the warehouse. In addition to the required
identification tags, we've used unique colorful tags, straps,
tapes, and some others. Recently I came up with what I think
is a permanent solution."

"Wal-Mart
(and probably other distinguished merchants) carries a product
called Speedball Painters opaque paint markers, in different
colors, for under $3. We used white on the black luggage
and hand lettered an identifying name in about 3-inch letters
on the face of the luggage that includes the handle. One
marker did three applications on each of three pieces. Easy
to do, high contrast, and permanent (well, as permanent
as we are). For security reasons, we didn't put our name
on it, I used my Yahoo name Cap10Cruz. About the only drawback
I see is it will make it harder to sell the old suitcases
at a yard sale, but when we're done with them, it's dumpster
time anyhow."

You've
decided that you'd like to cruise the Caribbean. Now what?
How do you choose the right ship? Which ports of call will
make you smile? Pick up Fodor's
Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises and
your Cruise 101 course begins with author Linda Coffman
as the perfect teacher. Learn what's really included in
your cruise fare. Which cabins are the best -- and the worst.
Get spa tips, learn cruise manners and find out about The
Upgrade Fairy. Become acquainted with all of the major lines
that sail to Caribbean destinations along with highlight
of all the ports they visit. In very readable fashion, Linda
offers different 'fast facts' about each line -- things
like 'the most appreciated freebie,' 'best splurge' and
'best places to escape the crowds.' Here are just five fun
excerpts.

Carnival Cruise
Line:Over
50% larger than industry standard and with plenty of storage
space, Carnival cabins are spacious for two and surprisingly
roomy.

Best
Access for Travelers with Disabilities:

Princess Cruises:Not
only are accessible staterooms and suites available in a
wide range of categories, Princess takes care to also provide
shoreside wheelchair access to appropriate tours on vehicles
equipped with lifts.

Best
Shops on Board:

Princess Cruise
Line:Should you
have the misfortune of lost or delayed luggage, you're in
luck (kind of). Princess shipboard boutiques are stocked
with nearly everything you need to carry on in style.

Best
Spas Afloat:

Silver Whisper
& Silver ShadowThe Mandara
Spas are small, luxurious havens with full menus of indulgent
treatments as well as nicely appointed changing rooms and
his-and-hers saunas and steamrooms.